Second Sasolburg protester killed

22 January |
20:16

By SAPA

Sasolburg - Another protester was shot and killed allegedly by police during violent protests in Zamdela, Sasolburg on Tuesday, Free State police said.

The incident happened at the Zamdela police station where conflict broke out between police and protesters. Protesters threw stones at police while some tried to force their way into the police station, said provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Khela Sithole.

“A man was shot and killed during the conflict. However, this is a matter for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. As police, we are not going to report on it,” said Sithole.

A total of 238 people have been arrested for public violence and malicious damage to property since the violent protest broke out on Sunday.

Sithole commended police for controlling the situation on Tuesday.

“We are saying thanks to the police for bringing the situation under control.”

Earlier, protesters gathered at the Moses Kotane stadium in Zamdela, where they were expecting to meet Co-operative Governance and Public Affairs Minister Richard Baloyi.

Baloyi said it was not his intention to cancel the plan of addressing the protesters at the stadium.

He said a security alert was issued advising him not to go to the stadium.

Baloyi called for calm and urged protesters to stop the violence so that pupils could go to school and businesses operated normally.

A task team of experts who will work closely with the community has been appointed.

Earlier on Tuesday, a man was allegedly shot dead by a motorist.

It was alleged that the community had obstructed a motorist while he was driving by.

That citizen reacted by allegedly taking out a gun and shooting at the ground; unfortunately one of the community members was wounded.